This
schedule is a description of a 13- day African Journey from the
tropical beaches of Zanzibar to the
Serengeti Plains and the northern wildlife ecosystems of
Tanzania. Due
to the vagarities of real life, what you actually experience may
be a bit different than this, but this description will give you a
pretty good idea of what you can expect. We have designed
this itinerary personally to combine an island adventure with the
best of the northern Tanzanian wildlife ecosystems. The safari is
a combination lodge and camping safari designed as a group
exploration of wildlife, island culture and environment, combining
a bit of adventure with a bit of luxury and a whole lot of
fun.
Our trip
begins with four nights on the Islands of Zanzibar. In the minds
of most people, Zanzibar is more a
mythical land than a real place. The 800,000 people living on this
archipelago, the original Spice
Islands, are part
of an ancient culture unique to coastal East
Africa. Indeed,
the Swahili coast, and especially
Zanzibar, is an
incredible melting pot of the dozens of seafaring peoples who have
plied the waters of the Indian
Ocean—the
Persians, Portuguese, Indians, Omanis, and British—just to mention
the arrivals in the last 1,000 years.
Although
Zanzibar is world
famous for its beaches, many experienced travelers there feel that
beach life is but a small part of the visit. Experiencing the
multi-ethnic cultural diversity the grace and kindness of the
local people; and the natural beauty of the island are all part of
the exotic charms of the island. Many visitors find their real
element shopping and bargaining in the bazaar atmosphere of
Stonetown, finding exotic treasure they never thought of, for next
to nothing.
Safari Style
This
safari is designed for active people of any age who are interested
in a unique group safari experience. The safari’s emphasis is on
being close to the land, close to the people and close to the
culture, as this is what a true African safari is all about. For
adventurous people, there are no disadvantages to this approach,
only advantages. Although our safaris are comfortable and at times
“luxurious,” they are planned and designed to emphasize the
quality and depth of the experience, rather than simply to
maximize luxury.
“This safari
style is not the Love Boat, but neither is it
Survivor
…it’s more
like Gilligan’s Island!”
This safari
will involve both accommodations in first-class lodges as well as
classic African camping in beautiful wild and pristine locations.
Camping will be in full-size classic African tents, with beds, hot
showers and sit-down toilets.
Transportation
will be primarily by well-equipped four-wheel drive Land Rover or
Land Cruiser safari vehicles, with on-board radio communication.
The road conditions, although generally good and constantly
improving, can sometimes be rough, dusty, muddy or even
underwater.
We will
often spend a good deal of time together in our safari vehicles,
especially when changing locations. While in a particular
location, however, we are generally free to relax on our own, and
in fact, all activities described in this itinerary should be
considered optional. Anyone who wants to take a break from the
group to kick back and read a book under a tree while the camp
crew makes some popcorn is welcome.
The nature
of this safari will require us to be together as a group for an
extended period, and participants should enjoy being part of, and
contributing to, a group experience. If you are a “people person”
and have an easy going and adventurous spirit, we can almost
guarantee the trip of a lifetime -- if not, there are more
individual safaris that we can arrange for you.
When we do
have to make a certain fixed schedule, we rely on the group to
help things go smoothly. We can also expect, however, that in
spite of the best teamwork and planning there will inevitably be
times when things don’t go according
